Tag Archives: Rice Stitch

This tutorial offers a step by step illustration of Rice Stitch and explores some of its variations including a stitch called Boss Stitch.

Rice stitch is also known as Crossed Corners and William and Mary stitch. This is thought of as a canvas stitch, but as you can see it can be worked on aida or linen too.

At first glance it looks a little boring but it is tremendously versatile. It is known as a canvas stitch background because it can be easily worked and covers the ground quickly. To be honest I am a little addicted to it as I love mixing my threads in the different layers or parts of the stitch.
Don’t let the fact that it is and canvas stitch put you off however because many of the canvas stitches can be worked on Aida (like the samples illustrated) or any even weave fabric with great effect. If you want to work it on other fabric or over an area of crazy patchwork use waste canvas.

How to work Rice Stitch

This is an illustrated step by step on how you work Rice stitch. As you can see it is very simple consisting of a cross stitch foundation with a second layer of diagonal stitches added to each arm of the cross.

How to work Variety 1 and 2 of Rice Stitch

I want to share 2 varieties (there are a lot more) As you can see they all have the same structure

This variety is a cross worked over more threads so that the diagonal stitches sit apart slightly.The next variety has 3 diagonal stitches worked across each bar.

You can really have fun with this stitch particularly if you change threads. You can use one thread or colour for the large cross and another thread of colour for the corner tie downs. Swap between thick and thin, metallic and dull or explore colour combinations. Change the size of your stitches and you can always add beads or French knots to really give the stitch a contrast of texture. It is one of those simple stitches that can produce interesting results.

Stitching Sample 597 is found on part 42 of The for Love of Stitching Band Sampler. It is a section of freeform embroidery in which I also added beads to a mix of hand embroidery stitches. Stitches Used: Straight stitch, Satin stitch, French knots, Cross stitch, Rice stitch, Square Boss, Bullion knots and I added bugle and seed beads.

Size: The For Love of Stitching Band Sampler is 15 cm (6 inches) wide and consists of different strips of fabric which are stitched together to form one long strip. It currently measures 96 feet 5 inches (2,938.78 centimetres), or 32.138 yards which is 29.3878 meters. It is still growing… For the full back story on this piece visit the Sampler FAQ page.

This design is a combination of canvas stitches. Crossed stitches included Rice stitch, cross stitch, Leviathan stitch, and Rhodes stitch. These are arranged between blocks of slanting straight stitches and sequins secured with a bead.

Threads:

This band is worked in a hand dyed wool and rayon ribbon floss.

Fabric:

This section is worked on Aida

Dyes:

Procion cold water dyes are used to dye the threads

Size:

The sampler is 15 cm (6 inches) wide and all sections are stitched together in one long band sampler.

The sampler is currently 44 ft 5 inches or 533 inches (1353.83 centimetres) or 14.8 yards (13.53 metres) long and still being added to.

Date:

This section of the sampler was finished in November 2005.

Sampler FAQ
For the full back story on this piece visit the Sampler FAQ.